As a landscaper specializing in makeovers (rebuilding existing landscapes) I often find myself looking at landscape disasters, trying to pick up the pieces and figure out how to make it right. You might call me a landscape forensic pathologist, examining a crime scene of poorly designed, carelessly installed, mis-managed landscaping with major problems. More often than not the solution is a deep-down, scorched-earth, gut-level restoration, because so little of whats there is salvageable. Does this seem harsh? How did we get to this point?

Good landscaping gets better with time. Well-designed, professionally installed landscapes dont need to be replaced every ten or twenty years, like out-of-style interior dcor. Thats because landscape design isnt just about decoration. Good landscape designs start with solving practical problems and providing functional benefits. The beauty happens automatically once you balance all the other functions that should be designed in. It starts by asking practical questions.

Where do we want to walk? Can we fit all our cars in the driveway? Can we turn them around easily in the dark, in the snow, without going off-road? What happens to all the runoff during hard rains? Can we sit on the porch or patio comfortably on a hot, sunny summer afternoon? Do we have to draw the blinds on all our windows, for privacy? Do wild birds and butterflies have food and shelter? Is the view from the kitchen sink workstation pretty, or are we looking at the neighbors old travel trailer?

We need to select plants that wont outgrow the space, or block the sidewalks and windows, or need constant shearing. Trees should be strategically placed for shade, windbreak, privacy, and to block sight lines we dont want to see from where we sit. Growing conditions like shade or sun, drainage, soil fertility and winter hardiness need to be considered.

Theres a right way and a wrong way to install landscape plantings and hardscaping. Often the difference between professional and amateur installation isnt obvious at first. Over time we have overgrown shrubs, uncontrollable weeds, sinking pavers, sagging walls, and plants that have been butchered into shapes their Creator never intended. Theres no way to band-aid over this situation. Drastic (and sometimes expensive) solutions are called for.

Theres no such thing as maintenance-free landscaping, but if the designer has spent any time working in grounds care he could reduce the number of maintenance man-hours dramatically. Any commercial landscape maintenance contractor will readily agree that proper design and installation has a huge impact on the maintenance cost of landscaping, over years of time.

Most of our work is in landscapes that were installed years ago, when the home was just built, and there wasnt enough left in the budget to do a professional job. We understand this and weve been there personally. Now that the kids are through college, and perhaps the mortgage paid off, its time to revisit the outdoor living spaces and make them beautiful, salvaging whats good. Time to realize our long-postponed dreams. Rather than repeat the mistakes of the past, time to really think through what we can do to flatter the house and make outdoor living a pleasure.

The first step is an honest examination of the landscape in its present state. This is where the forensic pathology comes in. Why did these plants fail to thrive? Why is it so much work to keep the yard from turning into a jungle? Cant we have beautiful surroundings without being a slave to them? As we turn the page into a new season, these might be the right questions to ask.

Steve Boehme is a landscape designer/installer specializing in landscape makeovers. Lets Grow is published weekly; column archives are on the Garden Advice page at http://www.goodseedfarm.com. For more information is available at http://www.goodseedfarm.com or call GoodSeed Farm Landscapes at (937) 587-7021.

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How did this landscape disaster happen? - Record Herald

My driveway recently: A chic, full-size, four-door sedan beckons, its stance confident, its massive tires festooned with intricate, multifaceted wheels. Elegant and expensive, just by the look of it. I open the drivers door, hefty in the way that speaks to craftsmanship. On the ground at my feet, a beam of light casts the makers logo on the pavement. I slide inside the cocoa-colored, quilted leather cockpit and look around with delight at the expansive touchscreen, the beautiful knobs and switches, and intuitive systems and interfaces. Its already memorably different, and I havent even started the engine yet.

The G90s clean-lined interior is loaded with state-of-the-art amenities.

(James Lipman)

What is it BMW 7 Series? Mercedes S-Class? Audi A8? Lexus LS?

Nope. Its the 2020 Genesis G90, the latest flagship from Hyundais newish (established in 2015) luxury arm. Its pretty hard to launch a brand these days, let alone achieve actual luxury. Spoiler alert: Genesis seems to be doing just that.

For example, in the last two years, Genesis has scored more than two dozen awards from the likes of Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, Motor Trend and Cars.com. Thats tough enough for the European dominators, let alone an upstart with only three sedans. (Genesis first SUV, the visually promising GV80, will debut later this year, and the company says its first full electric vehicle will hit the market in 2021.)

Elegant inside: quilted Napa leather, open-pore wood and plenty of room for passengers.

(James Lipman)

Another, more under-the-radar sign of success: Genesis has hired several world-class car designers. That list is topped by Luc Donckerwolke, former design exec at Volkswagen Group, as well as Bentleys SangYup Lee. (Ex-Bugatti designer Sasha Selipanov also spent a moment at Genesis and whipped up the clever Genesis Mint EV concept before moving on to Swedish super-car maker Koenigsegg.)

Genesis is muscling its way to a new definition of greatness.

Think back to the 1980s when Honda launched Acura, Toyota birthed Lexus and Nissan created Infiniti. Those companies audaciously set out to steal market share from the mostly German incumbents Mercedes, BMW, Audi. Which meant they had to offer more content at a slightly lower price and hope U.S. consumers would bite.

The 2020 G90s $72,200 base price includes full valet service owners never need to visit the dealer.

(James Lipman)

They did, although of the three, only Lexus has achieved a real seat at the table in terms of sales. And those brands, brave as they were at the time, didnt have to compete with the likes of Tesla, Porsche, Land Rover and so on. And then theres the powertrain angle; other big brands have EVs, hybrids, even hydrogen offerings. Today, for instance, BMW offers 17 model lines, with nearly countless variants. Genesis has three.

Genesis isnt the only one trying to reinvent luxury. Many have tried and continue to fail: Cadillac, Maserati and Lincoln are just a few. Why? Because its really hard to steal attention from such formidable competition. And its really expensive to actually make the leap from near-luxury to true luxury.

One of the few exceptions that has bravely broken the mold is Volvo. If you havent sat in a new Volvo lately, you have a treat awaiting you. From natural wood accents and an ear-blowing Bowers & Wilkins sound system (which you can set to mimic the acoustics of the Gothenburg Opera House) to impressive ride quality, Volvos today stand up to Germanys best. Sad for the Swedes, though, and good for you: You get way more content for your dollar, while Volvo spends lots of marketing dollars to get consumers to even consider purchasing one.

Thats exactly where Genesis stands too cars rich on details and sophisticated systems and discounted on price. The G90 is the poster child of this an enviable interpretation of what a grande dame of sedans should be at a base price of $72,200. Thats below the Lexus LS, Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.

Genesis has another hurdle: dealer network. There are 350 Genesis dealers in the U.S. versus 800 Hyundai/Kia stores. I dont know about you but I derive no joy from visiting a dealership, any dealership, let alone one that might be a good 40-minute drive away. One solution: Genesis has committed to offering every buyer 100% concierge service, from a $37,000 G70 up to the G90. For three years or 36,000 miles, a Genesis rep will bring a loaner vehicle to you, pick up your Genesis for service, and return it to you when its done.

Many other brands have experimented with similar programs, but none has stuck by it. I think its genius. Suddenly the dealerships distance just doesnt matter.

So, back to the G90 in my driveway.

I start the engine and hear the powerful purr of its naturally aspirated V8 (the only one in the category). I set off, secure in its poshness. Immediately, I can feel that its fast really fast for such a big car, effortlessly helping me to taunt my speeding-ticket fate. And its smooth, elegantly buffering me from speed bumps and the grit and grime of the real world just outside its soundproof windows.

Last summer, Genesis lent me the older version, the 2019 G90, to drive home from Pebble Beach car week. That car, even without wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and the bells and whistles the 2020 version has, was delightful. I arrived home after a five-hour-plus drive relaxed and refreshed. The next day, a Maserati Ghibli, fully loaded, was delivered to me for testing. I got out of the G90 and into a car nearly double in price and was crestfallen at how inferior it was.

You may not be in the market for a big sedan or a smaller one, for that matter but take my advice and pay attention to Genesis. Its on a tear and doing all the right things. The world meaning residual value and brand recognition hasnt caught up yet, but it will. In the meantime, appreciate the value of a tremendous sleeper and the crazy-big investment Hyundai is making to win long term.

2020 Genesis G90

Price: $72,200

Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway

Engine: 3.3-liter V-6, 5.0-liter V-8

0 to 60: 5.4 seconds

Read more:
2020 Genesis G90 review: How it competes with BMWs - Los Angeles Times

NEW YORK, NYA rivalry game between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets was the last thing on anyones mind in Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. First and foremost, the NBA community was mourning the loss of an all-time great.

Kobe Bryants inexplicable death took center stage while the Knicks and the Nets battled it out on the floor. Following the Knicks 110-97 win, the players were still trying to make sense of the situation.

Thank you for being the G.O.A.T. Thank you for being the true definition of a superstar, for paving the way for guys like myself, and guys in the future to come in, Taj Gibson apostrophized. You left such a great mark. No matter who you were, he would give you the same love. It feels like we just lost a superhero.

Gibsons reverence for Kobe is par for the course among NBA players. For a generation of players, he was the cold-blooded killer kids pretended to be in their driveways. Even after retirement, Bryant continued to influence the league by taking young guys under his wing and offering guidance.

One of the last true G.O.A.T.s that was really around the game a lot, Gibson said of Bryants legacy. You see him with his daughter a lot. You see him around the game constantly. If you ask him a question, hell spend some time with you and make sure you understand what you needed to do to get better and be a better player.

Much like Gibson, Marcus Morris Sr. grew up idolizing Kobe, but also had the opportunity to play against the Black Mamba. Morris will always remember Bryant for his insatiable need to improve himself on and off the court.

The way he approached the game. The way he approached life. His mentality. Ive never watched anybody just impose their will on the game like that, impose his will on life, an emotional Morris said after the game. Even after he retired, to have so much impact on the outside world and the players in the league. Its a tough loss for everybody.

Following the initial news of Kobes untimely passing, there were legitimate concerns about whether or not the league should cancel Sundays slate of games. Despite some concerns, the NBA forged ahead without canceling any games.

Our locker room had some heavy hearts in there, but they went out and played. I would say that it was a tribute to Kobe to go out there and play the game like he would play the game, Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller said.

A few Knicks mentioned that they were surprised that the game went on as scheduled. Playing with that kind of emotional baggage cannot be easy for anyone, but there was also a feeling among many players that Kobe would have ultimately wanted the games to continue.

Understanding that he would want you to go out there and play hard. Go out there and lay it on the line. Thats the one thing about him all through the years when I was playing against him, he always loved to compete, Gibson recalled.

Kobes legacy on the league, and more importantly, an entire generation of players will live on forever. His drive to outwork his opponents in every facet of the game is the stuff of legends and the Knicks honored his memory by playing their hearts out under difficult circumstances.

New York will travel south for a game against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET). Just like Bryant did when he shot free throws after tearing his Achilles tendon, the Knicks and the rest of the NBA will forge ahead.

More:
New York Knicks react to Kobe Bryants death: Thank you for being the G.O.A.T. - Elite Sports NY

Undergoing home renovations, and looking to install new or add to your existing paving?

You are not alone. Australias love affair with outdoor living is solidified into our culture, with homeowners across the nation often looking to add lasting value, style, personality and functionality to their own spaces.

When you select a reputable installer, the process can be quite simple and enjoyable. In fact, with the right expertise on hand, the most work you will probably need to do is give your tick of approval on the finished product.

According to Brikmakers Installation Manager Andy Miller, choosing the correct paving to create the desired effect should not be the only consideration when you are in the planning stage of your driveway, alfresco or landscaping project. What lies beneath is just as important, if not more, than the finished layer.

If this isnt done properly, the pavers might look good for a while but the job can deteriorate over time, he said.

This is why it is so important to get someone who knows what needs to be done for a professional finish.

Brikmakers comprehensive installation services are managed by experienced Installation Managers, who oversee carefully selected, insured contractors.

Mr Miller said many people opted for larger format pavers, a trend extending from the popularity of large ceramic tiling inside homes.

We have just released a new product called Trentapave 40, which is a lighter weight and easier to handle product for the contractors, he said.

This allows us to keep the installation price competitive with standard paving.

Paving is also a great way to link your home with your garden, with many shapes, textures and colours available to choose from.

For example, rectangular bricks can be laid in a Herringbone pattern, with washed or exposed aggregate paving ideal for trafficable areas and smoother paver surfaces for pedestrian areas.

If the house is a light colour, a darker contrast in paving can really make the home pop. It could also blend into a window frame or gutters darker colours, Mr Miller said.

Some people prefer the paving to blend with the homes colours to make other features on the house or the landscaping stand out.

All Brikmakers paving installations are backed with a 12-month guarantee on all workmanship and Brikmakers products.

CONTACT

Brikmakers, 1300 360 344

install@brikmakers.com

http://www.brikmakers.com

Read more:
Paving the way from drab to fab - The West Australian

With more winter storms expected across Illinois, local and state authorities are working to clear the roads and respond to traffic accidents.

Heavy snowfall can lead to labor like shoveling on driveways and sidewalks. For roads, local government steps in. The City of Rockford has a fleet of more than 20 trucks for snow and ice removal. Staff are unionized, so they bid on routes. Public Works Director Kyle Saunders explained.

"They get the opportunity to pick which route they like. We have both arterial and residential routes. So they kind of get that opportunity. Its something theyre going to live with all season," he said.

The trucks start by plowing and salting the busiest roads, then move on to more residential roads, sometimes with the help of contractors. Saunders said the citys odd-even parking ordinance helps with this process.

"For instance, if its an odd day, starting at 8 a.m., if we declare that snow emergency, we need cars to be parked on the odd side of the street. That way, it gives us that opportunity to get one clear pass through so our drivers can get in without having to slalom between parked cars."

Trucks also spread salt on the roads to prevent ice. Its made from calcium carbonate but Saunders said its made more effective by mixing in juice from sugar beets.

"Sugar actually lowers the freezing point lower than salt, so its something that that beet juice element certainly helps us coat that rock salt," he said.

If theres leftover salt from a previous year, Rockford will use the excess in this years clearing efforts. But outside of city roads, the responsibility for cleaning up falls on the Illinois Department of Transportation. Engineer of Operations Amy Eller explained.

"We have the interstate system, we have the state highways, like an Illinois route," she said."Some of those do run through various cities, which are what we maintain. Others, we have agreements with some local municipalities to help us with maintenance of those."

IDOT gets weather forecasts from several sources, such as the National Weather Service. Based on current conditions, it then deploys its plows as soon as it can.

"There are certain conditions where we cant do that, but most generally, if we can get out, we will be pre-treating, pre-wetting. We put down a salt brine to keep any precipitation from freezing to the pavement."

On larger roads, the plows often work in groups.

"Youll have one truck out ahead of the next one, but theyre all travelling in tandem to clear all the lanes at the same time," she said.

Though a state agency, IDOT localizes its plans by working through nine distinct districts.

"Even though were responsible for the whole state, we have our units broken down so that its very manageable. They all know their areas very well. Theyve all become very familiar with them," Eller said.

But plowing is only part of the job. The Illinois State Police work with IDOT on a regular basis, starting with social media campaigns regarding safety. Lieutenant Colonel David Byrd is an assistant deputy director. He says one of the most important messages ISP tries to get out is for drivers to take their time.

"Wed rather you guys try to be there early than try to crunch it and get there on time because thats when you might increase your speeds in areas where you probably shouldnt be doing it," he said. "The road surfaces might be icy, slippery, it might be snow covered."

This also includes taking ones time around slow cars and plows.

"Hes probably going slow because of the road conditions. So at that point, we might need to take heed and follow his lead," Byrd said.

When accidents do occur, ISP first responds to those that involve direct injuries. Then, they address those that block lanes.

"We want to prevent that secondary crash, or a third crash," Byrd said. "Thats where you can get a pileup. And believe me, thats the last thing we want, is a pileup on the Interstate."

Fender benders that dont block traffic are the lowest priority, but whatever the accident, Byrd said drivers need to heed Scotts Law which is "...where you slow your speed and move to the left of the unit or the emergency vehicles that are stopped."

Byrd said the number one message during snow and ice: Stay off the roads if possible.

"If we can reduce the number of motorists on the interstate, its going to assist us, going to assist law enforcement in general, do their job on a day with severe weather like we had last year with the polar vortex."

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Sugar Beets Are One Way To Fight Snow And Ice Hazards - WNIJ and WNIU

Pavement parking could be prevented by installing the call devices along kerbs and pedestrian areas according to the inventor of the tool.The catclaw can be positioned on the side of kerbs and will unveil a lethal spike when the device is pushed down with force.

The small dome will only take three minutes to install and requires no power supply or maintenance to run.

Catclaws do not pose a threat to pedestrians as they can only be activated by a certain weight passing over the device.

The ETA said the prototype model will trigger on 200kg and confirmed a cargo bike could, in theory, be heavy enough to expose the blade.

The Environmental Transport Association (ETA)which hasdeveloped the design said the device could have prevented recent terror attacks involving vehicles travelling at high speed.

READ MORE:Is it against the law to park outside someone else's house?

Car-related incidents such as the Westminster Bridge and London Bridge attacks in 2017 may have had a different outcome if something had pierced through the rubber.

Inventor Yannick Read of the ETA claims the device could solve multiple issues surrounding road danger.

He said: Were addressing road danger theres a real problem with drivers parking on the pavement or driving on the pavement because they cant be bothered to wait.

However, the new device is unlikely to ever be made road legal due to the extra risks the tool possesses.

DON'T MISSDrivers face fine for parking in wrong space at supermarket - rules[ANALYSIS]Make 1,000 by renting out your driveway[TIPS]Your car insurance policy can be invalidated by doing this[COMMENT]

Many road users may not be aware their tyre has been pierced at all which could lead to blowouts and car crashes on major roads in a safety risk.

Many motorists attacked the device online, branding the tool as a bad idea because tyres were a vital safety component of a vehicle.

Commenting on the group's website, motorist Geofrey Biggins said: If you punctured a tyre and the person was unaware and drove off they could have all sorts of accidents.

What if it just caught the edge of a tyre and partially ripped the sidewall and the person then happily drives onto a motorway and has a blowout and wipes out a bus full of kids.

Another user said the device looked awful and was a hazard for motorists who may need to use the pavements for legitimate reasons.

He said: Plenty of our roads are simply too narrow and too congested for this to be in any way viable.

The ETA says the devices only cost a couple of pounds to produce because it is built from just four readily available components,

The tool got its name from the cats eyes that line major roads across the UK and also compress under the heavyweight of a car.

Pavement parking is only illegal in London where motorists can be hit with 70 fines for causing an obstruction.

Motorists are urged to not block pavements with their vehicle but this is not illegal across the rest of the UK.

However, this could soon change after the Transport Committee revealed plans to introduce a nationwide ban.

The group said pavement parking can have a considerable impact on many people's lives and has put many locals at risk of social isolation.

Inventor Mr Read added: Weve shown the principle works. It wouldnt be appropriate to put them everywhere. Id be interested to hear their objections.

"Its illegal to drive on the pavement, theres no excuse to do it. So if youre not breaking the law your tyres are safe."

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Pavement parking: Deadly road spike tool could give your car a puncture in seconds - Express

Driveways Nottingham is offering the lowest priced quote in the Nottinghamshire area for driveways services. Driveways Nottingham is the most professional company in Nottingham for driveway services, taking care of commercial and residential customers.

For every job, Driveways Nottingham ensures the highest quality of work. The team has many years of experience working with a variety of materials like natural stone, tarmac, and much more. You can contact them directly for further information about this.

A few examples of some of their work includes driveways, car parks, patios, and more of which can be found online on their website.

Driveways Nottingham is proud of the top-notch services they provide to residents in the Nottinghamshire area. Driveways Nottingham have a list compiled online of these services, some of which include the following; concrete driveways, resin bonded gravel driveways, driveway surfacing, patterned concrete, gravel driveways, and the rest of their services can be found online.

If you would like to view a sample of their work for one of these services that you may require, or read more about these services, you can find them all on their website.

As mentioned, Driveways Nottingham provide a superb range of services, from driveway design to paving installations. The team is happy to meet and discuss their available services and what they do every week when on a contracting job.

Driveways Nottingham also offer patio enclosure with surfacing in any material listed above. Or if you would like to request a particular material, the team is happy to accommodate you. This is because the team of professionals at Driveways have experience with all types of materials so that you will be in good hands.

Also, Driveways Nottingham offers an Asphalt Contractor, who serves all of NG1 to NG90 Postcodes. With that, it must be mentioned that the driveway company is well known for its excellent work with clients, particularly in these areas, due to their hard work and reliability.

Finally, one other popular service offered by Driveways Nottingham is their bound or bond bonded service. The professionals take care of this by fixing your surface if its not uninformed or if its not attractive, and they do this by using the resin to bound and bond your driveway, whichever service you require, resin Driveways Nottingham can take care of it.

Whats even better about this service, is that Driveways Nottingham offer the lowest priced quotes in Nottingham, so, if you decide to request a quote first before you go ahead with the job, you will be pleasantly surprised with the price. Not only that, but you will end up with a clean and tidy driveway that looks fantastic and is durable too.

Driveways Nottingham have been in the business for 30 years, which is one reason why you should choose them. They do not require a deposit upfront, and they will only request full payment after the work is completed and you approve of the quality of the job done.

So, if youre looking for great prices and a high standard of work in the Nottinghamshire area, then contact Driveways Nottingham today on 0115 697 1400. Driveways Nottingham have a range of all our driveway services to choose from, and if you would like to hear from some of their clients, there are many testimonials online that you can check out. You can find these at https://www.drivewaysnottingham.org.uk and view their superb work.

Source:https://thenewsfront.com/driveways-nottingham-offer-the-lowest-priced-quote-in-the-nottinghamshire-area/

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Driveways Nottingham Offer The Lowest Priced Quote in the Nottinghamshire area - The News Front

Public Affairs show with Gary Rabine, CEO [Rabine Group] airs this week in Chicago, Rockford and Aurora, See airing schedule, below

Jeff Berkowitz: JB [and many of the Dems] want to raise your income tax with the progressive income tax. Property taxes, are they high in IL? Workers' comp. insurance, is that high in IL? Are those the kind of things that might drive you out of IL?

Gary Rabine: You mention are they high? High would be to me, higher than the average... but when you are the highest, that's ridiculous, that's crazy high, that's where we're at in IL, we're off our rockers high!

*********

Gary Rabine [CEO, Rabine Group]: Gov. Pritzker said to me, "Gary, you built all your businesses here, your family is all here, you're never gonna go anywhere, I mean, that's exactly how he said it... and God Bless him, if he really believes that that's the case, but that can't be the case, I can't risk...

*********

Gary Rabine: If I were born with a few billion dollars, I might be the same way as JB Pritzker, I might be trading businesses. Heck, it's a lot cheaper. All my businesses that I have, these small and mid-sized businesses, I am paying income tax for all profit because I am S corp. and LLCs. JB, he's trading businesses, so he's paying capital gains tax, half of what I am.

*************

Tonight's Rockford edition of Public Affairs features Gary Rabine, CEO of the Rabine Group and advocate for Free Enterprise. It airs at 8:30 pm, Cable Ch. 17, in Rockford and surrounding suburbs. The program, featuring Rabine and a discussion of growing businesses, IL and Nat'l politics and capitalism, also airs:

--in Chicago this Saturday morning, 10:28 am, Cable Ch. 21 (CAN TV) and Sunday morning, 9:58 am, Cable Ch. 19 (CAN TV)

-- in Aurora this coming Saturday and Monday night, 6 pm, Cable Ch. 10, aka Aurora Community Television and ACTV-10

Rabine discusses with host Jeff Berkowitz how he began, after graduating from high school, a driveway paving business that was transformed, over time, into a group of major companies that have been a source of hope, growth and aopportunity for his employees and improved choices for his customers, both in and out of Illinois.

Rabine and Berkowitz discuss and debate, among other issues, some of Gov. Pritzker fiscal plans, IL pension reform, Pritzker's proposed IL progressive income tax and Democratic Party Presidential Primary candidates and President Trump.

Rabine also discusses what is necessary for IL to become more competitive in business.

You can also watch 24/7 the program featuring Ditch Digger CEO Gary Rabine by clicking here

**************************

Jeff Berkowitz: ...[W]hat's your elevator pitch?

Gary Rabine[CEO, Rabine Group]: One of the most important things ... is how I differentiate myself... So first ... we give away ... the best engineering we can find in the world when it comes to pavement, stormwater and structural engineering for roofing, we... say "Here's our engineers, use them how you like to help you plan your properties"...we did that originally through boots on the ground, but today we do that using drones, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence.

*******

Gary Rabine [CEO, Rabine Group]: Gov. Pritzker said to me, "Gary, you built all your businesses here, your family is all here, you're never gonna go anywhere, I mean, that's exactly how he said it... and God Bless him, if he really believes that that's the case, but that can't be the case, I can't risk the lives & jobs we are talking about, I can't risk all these jobs just because I want to be here- right?

Berkowitz: If you could persuade [those in control of] the IL State Government to change and start going in the other direction: [LEGISLATE] lower property taxes, lower income taxes, [Don't support] a progressive income tax, [ADOPT THE NEEDED REFORMS TO] lower workers compensation rates, would that be Nirvana for you?

From Public Affairs, taped on November 18, 2019 in the Chicago Loop offices of Residco

Filed under: Uncategorized

Tags: Aurora Community television, CAN TV, capitalism, Chicago Access Network TV, competing in a non-union state, Competing in a union state, Ditchdigger CEO, Fixing IL Business Climate, Gary Rabine, Governor Rauner, IL Business Climnate, IL pension reforms, IL progressive income tax, IL taxpayer funded abortion, IL workers' compensation reform, Impact of business regulations on IL job growth, impact of high IL income tax rates on IL jobs, Impact of high property taxes on IL job growth, impact of unions on IL employee welfare, impact of unions on IL job growth, Impact of unions on jobs in IL, Jeanne Ives, Jeff Berkowitz, paving large parking lots across the country, paving parking lots, Public Affairs, Rockford community access TV, SB 40 in Illinois, using drones and satellite imagery, Why IL Governor Rauner lost re-election

Original post:
Berkowitz w/CEO Rabine on IL's business environment & how to improve it; Airing in Chicago, Aurora & Rockford, Cable & Web - ChicagoNow

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. City officials do not plan on calling in private contractors to deal with snow this week.

Indianapolis Department of Public Works spokesperson, Ben Easley, says the department discussed the matter. They decided the conditions didnt call for private plow and salt truck drivers.

Our priority with DPW is taking care of those major thoroughfares, secondary streets, especially for emergency services and making sure that city services can continue, Easley said.

The department based the decision on a longstanding city policy that says DPW will call in private contractors if Indianapolis receives six inches of snow in a single weather event. The National Weather Service says Indianapolis received 7.4 inches of snow from Sunday night to Tuesday morning. However, the snow didnt fall all at once.

With this event, weve had two different waves of snow over the past couple days, Easley said. Theyre two different events. And the other thing to remember is pavement temperatures. So if the pavement is really warm, you may see the first couple inches that fall on the streets just melt immediately.

Easley said DPW also considers the conditions in the weather forecast after a snowfall when making the decision.

Because were seeing the sun come through, Easley said. Were seeing an area of dry weather throughout the rest of the week, that we hope that will take care of some of those residential areas and they can look forward to clearer streets in the next couple days here.

The last time Indianapolis called in private contractors for residential streets; about five years ago, it came at a cost of roughly $500,000.

Some neighborhoods hire their own private contractors to salt and plow their residential streets.

In the Irvington area, snow packed down and frozen into a solid layer of ice on the road. Jan Deferbrache, owner of The Magic Candle at the corner of Audubon and Bonner, said the icy streets were hurting her bottom line.

We lose business if they cant get here, Deferbrache said. Especially with senior citizens, and they cant get down through here.

Deferbrache said she wishes DPW would send salt trucks down her street. She and her neighbors understand theyre on their own to handle the slick conditions.

The neighborhood people who shovel, throw salt out and ride our cars back and forth in order to get it down enough so that customers and other people can get through, she said.

Down the street from the shop, Taylor Thornell was struggling to get his car from the icy street onto his driveway. He said he would love to see a city truck or contractor dropping salt near his house.

Makes it pretty tough, Thornell said. I mean the main streets right there, but it takes forever to get out to them.

Easley said they have discussed altering city policy about treating residential streets. For now, hes not able to give specifics.

As of Tuesday, DPW has a full callout of 80 drivers working on primary and secondary streets. Those routes will continue until 11:00 p.m.

After Tuesday, Easley said 24 trucks will continue to watch for trouble spots into Wednesday morning.

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Indy DPW: No plans to call in contractors to treat residential streets this week - FOX 59 Indianapolis

TROY The city of Troy wishes to provide the following guidelines on the citys winter weather treatment policies.

General overview

This information is intended to help residents and drivers understand the citys approach to dealing with typical winter storms. It is a general guideline only because each winter event is unique and must be attacked individually. Pre-treatment, plowing, and salting operations will be evaluated on an event-by-event basis, based on the type, temperature, severity, longevity, and timing of the winter event.

Every road in Troy is classified as either a primary, secondary, or tertiary (local) street. Primaries include main arteries, state routes, hills, bridges, and the streets immediately surrounding schools. Secondary roads connect primary roads to local residential streets. Local streets include residential roads, dead-end streets, and cul-de-sacs.

A map showing the roadway classifications can be found at http://www.troyohio.gov/DocumentCenter/View/737.

When possible, the city will pre-treat the streets with a liquid brine mix. It can only be applied on dry pavement or when the weather forecast does not anticipate rain before snowfall. Brine pre-treatment is only effective before a snow event and only for small storms forecast for one inch or less of accumulation. This treatment will also help alleviate larger snows from bonding to the road making it easier to plow. When the forecast allows, city crews may pre-treat local streets one or two days in advance of the forecasted event. Primaries will be pre-treated as close to the forecasted event as possible, to minimize the elimination of brine by heavy vehicular traffic.

Salting operations

Primary roads are the first priority for salting, which will occur any time the roads become icy and slick and when snow accumulation is less than three inches. Depending upon the road conditions and other factors, secondary and local streets will also be salted, either at the same time or directly after salting of primary roads is completed.

Plowing operations

Plowing may begin once primary roads are generally covered by three or more inches of snow, regardless of the time of day or night of the event. Often, the city plows when there is less than three inches of accumulation due to the weight of the snow, severity of the event, speed at which snow is falling, etc. Please note that in the case of a major event (four or more inches of snow), plowing of local streets may be restricted to providing a single path, in order to provide two-way traffic on these streets.

Troy residents and business owners are reminded that City Codified Ordinances will require all property owners to not blow, shovel, or plow snow into city streets. Violators may receive a ticket and fine.

Property owners are also required to keep their sidewalks free and clear of ice and snow. In doing so, please be sure to do the following:

Shovel snow from driveways and place it to the right side (looking out the driveway to the street) of your driveway. This places the snow past the driveway, so snow plows will not plow the snow back into your driveway. The city cannot come back to plow out driveways.

Push the snow away from any fire hydrants and storm sewercatch basins. Keeping hydrants clear will greatly assist the Fire Department in the case of a fire, and the open catch basins allow melting snow to drain and not flood the streets.

Remove vehicles parked on the streets, so that plow trucks can plow to the curb and vehicles are not plowed in with snow.

For questions or comments regarding snow and ice removal, please contact the city of Troy Central Service and Maintenance Facility at 937-335-1914.

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Troy releases winter weather treatment info - Troy Daily News